Dilation and Curettage

(D&C)

Definition

Dilation is a procedure to open and widen the cervix. The cervix is the entrance to the uterus. Curettage is the removal of the lining of the uterus by scraping. The lining is known as the endometrium. The 2 procedures are done together and are often referred to as a D&C.

Sometimes a D&C is done to stop the bleeding, rather than to diagnose why you are bleeding. For example, this procedure may be done to remove products of conception or to treat bleeding that has not responded to other methods.

A D&C is not done if you have an infection, such as one that affects the uterus or fallopian tubes.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare. But no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a D&C, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, such as:

Anesthesia

Description of Procedure

A pelvic exam will be done to find out the size and location of the uterus. The vagina and cervix will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. A speculum will be placed in the vagina. An instrument called a cervical dilator will be placed into the cervical canal. Once the cervical canal is slightly open, a scoop-shaped instrument, called a curette, will be inserted into the uterus. It will be used to scrape the uterine lining and remove tissue through the vagina. After sampling the endometrium, the instrument will be removed from the cervix.

Immediately After Procedure

You will be taken to a recovery room, where the nurses will monitor you.

How Long Will It Take?

You may be able to go home in a few hours.

Will It Hurt?

If you have general anesthesia, you will have no pain during the procedure. With local anesthesia, you may have some cramping and back pain.

After the procedure, pain may last up to 24 hours.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

You will be monitored in the recovery center.

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

It is common to have some vaginal bleeding and discharge after a D&C. Use sanitary pads, not tampons.

Refrain from placing anything inside your vagina until instructed by your doctor. The cervix has been opened. This may make it easier for you to get an infection in the uterus.

Your next menstrual cycle may not be regular. It may be late or early.

Call Your Doctor

Contact your doctor if your recovery is not progressing as expected or you develop complications, such as:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills, increasing pain, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge

Nausea or vomiting that does not stop

Abdominal pain

Vaginal bleeding that is saturating more than one sanitary pad per hour

Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

CANADIAN RESOURCES

References

D&C procedure after a miscarriage. American Pregnancy Association website. Available at:
http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/d-and-c-procedure-after-miscarriage. Updated November 2011. Accessed October 30, 2014.

Dilation and curettage. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at:
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq062.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20120813T1113192776. Accessed October 30, 2014.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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